Breaking Mirrors

M

mikco95

New member
I am trying to do a shot where the actor punches the mirror with his fist and instead of shattering, I want to get the mirror to spiderweb off the point of impact. Someone at a glass installation shop told I would need to cover it with a film to prevent it from breaking completely.

Does anyone know if this will give me the desired spiderwebbing effect or if there is any other way to get it? Also how would I go about this without hurting my actor (or whoever is punching the mirror)?

Thanks everyone.
Mike
 
I'd do a transparent film on the front (as thick as cinematically pleasant, and some more film on the back side to prevent pieces from falling out backward. (Some cardboard behind there, too. Maybe just thoroughly glue a thin piece of cardboard on the back, and skip the film back there.)

And then some plywood or something about a 1/4" behind that to regulate how deep the punch can go. Make sure the edges of the mirror are mounted on something stiff enough so they don't flex.

All that should make the mirror bow just at the point of impact, spiderwebbing nicely.

Of course, makeup a couple of them, practice a bit, make adjustments to get just the effect you want.
 
Do what Coppola did on Apocalypse Now, get your actor(Martin Sheen) drunk on his birthday and then tell him to do some soul searching.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top